Gaylord National Resort Summerfest

Gaylord National Resort sits just outside of the hustle and bustle of Washington D.C. on the Potomac Waterfront. To celebrate its 10 year anniversary, Gaylord National is offering Summerfest. This seasonal event offers themed activities for guests, and allows for a fun getaway weekend.

Last weekend my daughter and our friends were graciously hosted by Gaylord National, to experience all of the Great American Fun to be had!

To enjoy all of the Summerfest activities you must be a registered hotel guest at the Gaylord National Resort. We haven’t stayed here in over four years, I was excited to get back for another visit, and one that Miss. M would remember this time.

The rooms are spacious offering two queen beds or one king. The rooms also have a full bathroom (toilet and shower separate), double sinks, flat screen tv, desk and mini-fridge. Be sure to get an atrium view room, it’s worth the upgrade price to see everything going on. I will say if you are afraid of heights be sure to ask for a lower floor, we were on 17 and it was a doozy up there!

Summerfest Fun

Summerfest kicked off on June 9 and continues through Labor Day. This all american celebration covers everything from educational scavenger hunts, to poolside fun and even some haunts each evening.

Poolside Fun

The resort boasts a large indoor swimming pool, and a fun outdoor splash pad. On Saturday’s you can enjoy live music on the pool patio, and a vibrant pool bar mixing cool summer cocktails. When you want a break from the pool you can play over-sized jenga or connect four or even challenge your friends to a hula hoop contest. It was almost 105 degrees during our visit, and we enjoyed having a nice cool poolside retreat for the afternoon.

Star Spangled Quest Scavenger Hunt

Take a break from the pool and search the resort for fun American themed clues to the scavenger hunt. Some were hard to find, so a parent may need to lend a hand. Once you find all the clues, enter the keyword in lobby kiosk for your chance to win an overnight stay!

A National Haunting Ghost Tour

Everybody loves a good ghost story, and the Gaylord has conjured up some great tales of the Potomac area. Our guide was great with the kids and very engaging. These are offered three times a night on Friday and Saturday only. It wasn’t too scary, and is perfect for any age.

Great American Road Trip Atrium Show

Don’t miss a trip down Route 66 and beyond during this musical laser light fountain show in The Atrium each evening at 8 & 9 p.m.

Movie Under The Stars

On Saturday nights at 9.15 pm catch a blockbuster film on the big screen in The Atrium. They even have bean bags for you to enjoy the movies on. During our visit they were playing the classic film, The Sandlot.

Silent Disco Party

Each Saturday evening from 9 pm until 12 am the Lobby Bar becomes a disco, but without music. This may have been the girls favorite event of the evening. You get a pair of special headphones that are in sync with the lobby DJ and have 3 different channels, find your fave jam and enjoy!

Talk about a full day of fun at Gaylord National Resort! The kids were ready to keep partying after the Silent Disco, but the Mom’s were ready for bed.

After an amazing night of sleep we had breakfast at Pienza. There was so much to choose from; waffles, omelets made to order, french toast, freshly baked pastries, shrimp & grits, freshly fruit, oatmeal and much more. Gaylord National’s SummerFest Family Escape Package includes a Kids eat free at Pienza offer. Kids must be ages 4-11 and can enjoy a free meal per paying adult.

Take a weekend off and enjoy a stay-cation at The Gaylord National Resort!